Santa Cruz residents have been warned by police to "steer clear" of a creepy Cookie Monster roaming the streets, according to the New York Post. They say the person in the costume has been yelling obscenities and taunting locals as they enjoy their walks on the coastline.
Authorities in Santa Cruz say the Sesame Street wannabe has allegedly been harassing parents to pay him to pose in photos with their children.
A similarly costumed person was apparently spotted in nearby San Francisco only a few weeks earlier. In the past, an "Evil Elmo" character has wandered the streets of San Francisco.
According to the New York Post, Santa Cruz police spokesperson Joyce Blaschke said, “We are getting calls from people who say he is 'creepy.' Based on his history, we advise the public to not engage with this individual. Steer clear from him.”
Santa Cruz police confirmed to the Post that the suspect’s name is Adam Sandler, 59, with no relation to the movie star. They cannot confirm whether he is the same person who acted as "Evil Elmo" in past years.
The Post reported that Dan Sandler, also known as Adam Sandler, had been arrested in San Francisco, near Santa Cruz, where prosecutors said he grabbed a kid while panhandling in his furry "Evil Elmo" costume.
Authorities in Santa Cruz encourage residents to be on the lookout and not engage with the creepy Cookie Monster.
